Biotechnology: Examples of Transgenic Organisms

Question 1

Resistance: BT Corn

Answer 1

• Bacillus thuringiensis gene produces a protein lethal to crop pests
• Previously sprayed on crops
• Corn has been genetically modified to incorporate the Bt genes
• Gene is inserted into cells at the embryo stage and the mature plant expresses the insecticidal protein in its leaves and tissues

Question 2

Faster growth rate + Greater product quality/yield: AquAdvantage Salmon

Answer 2

• Contain growth hormone from Pacific Chinook Salmon and a promoter sequence form the ocean pout
• Allows them to grow to market size in half the time as conventional Atlantic salmon
• GM salmon grows in 16-18 months, compared to the conventional 32-36 months, allowing salmon to grow year round rather than seasonally

Question 3

Tolerance to Conditions: HB4 Wheat

Answer 3

• Addition of helianthus annuus homeobox 4 gene from sunflowers, which creates drought tolerance
• HB4 wheat increases wheat yields by 20% on average during growing seasons affected by drought

Question 4

Medical Benefits: Rice

Answer 4

• People who suffer from malnutrition often consume means that centre around a staple crop, which results in inadequate nutrition
• GM golden rice is a form of white rice that has been modified to provide vitamin A, which counters blindness and other diseases
• Genes for a chemical called beta carotene are added, which is a key chemical in the body used to make vitamin A